Could you run for freedom and justice? This September, we’re gathering a team to run The Big Half in London on behalf of CSW. Our CEO Scot Bower has a word of encouragement to all potential fundraising heroes, as well those who pray, sponsor, and cheer them on.

‘You can do it! With just a bit of training you could definitely run a half marathon,’ I say, enthusiastically.

At this point in the conversation, my wife usually inserts herself with great kindness and gives my target a means of escape. ‘Not everyone,’ she tells me ‘enjoys running as much as you do!’

It’s true, I have learned to love long distance running. It’s also true that I believe that most reasonably healthy people can run a half marathon given enough training. The biggest caveat (of many) is that you have to be willing to put time aside for training. (For full disclosure, I have run long races with no training – but they haven’t been pleasant or pretty!) And of course, if you can’t run, there are many ways in which you can show your support for CSW and I am incredibly grateful to all of you for all you do!

For those of you who are still with me and need a little more convincing before you sign up, let me tell you why I run for CSW. (And please remember, I run badly. My technique is awful, and I have failed to finish my last two races!) I share my experience not as an elite athlete, but as a middle of the pack, persistent plodder.

‘Running helps me pray.’

Firstly, long runs give me a chance to pray and connect with Father God. As I run, I put aside the noise and distraction of my day. The rhythm of my feet on pavement, or even better the sound of running through nature, calms my soul. My laboured breathing becomes my honest prayer. Running helps me pray.

Secondly, when I’m running for CSW I make sure I know why I’m running. I connect with the people who will benefit from the money I raise. Sometimes I’ll take their photo with me, or deliberately recall their story at specific moments in the race (for example, as I pass a particular landmark or mile marker). Later, as I cross the finish line, I remember these brave men and women, my heroes, and I give thanks as I pray for them.

Finally, I run because it really is fun! Running a race like The Big Half through one of the greatest cities in the world, crowds cheering you on as you represent an amazing charity, is a special experience that will stay with you for a long time. You’ll be running with a supportive team and our own CSW cheer squad will be out on the streets of London to help you get round.

If you can’t commit to run this year, our running team would be very grateful for your sponsorship! And if you’d like to discuss any other opportunities for sponsored events whether its book reading, swimming, calligraphy or canoeing we would love to hear from you.

Whatever challenge you choose to take on, and whatever your reason, always remember: you can do it!

Secure your place in The Big Half:

csw.org.uk/TheBigHalf

Discover more fundraising opportunities atcsw.org.uk/fundraise